Construction Company Fined $1.5 Million Following High Rise Asbestos Removal

Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that a construction company was sentenced to a $1.5 million fine and three years of probation for violating the Clean Air Act. According to the DOJ, citing court documents, the construction company failed to comply with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants during the illegal removal of asbestos-containing materials from a building.

The case began back in 2012 after a subcontractor for the construction company removed asbestos-containing materials from the 9th floor of the Minillas North Tower, a high rise in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The materials were reportedly removed without following Asbestos Work Practice Standards required by federal regulations. As part of a plea agreement with the government, the company was also ordered to pay over $172k to cover baseline and follow up medical examinations for people that were exposed to asbestos fibers.

“There are specific protocols outlined by the Clean Air Act that guide construction companies through any renovation or demolition activities that involve asbestos,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “These are in place so that workers and building occupants are not exposed to asbestos fibers in the air they breathe. As highlighted by this case, penalties for non-compliance can be significant and very costly"

Helping to protect workers and building occupants are the asbestos and indoor environmental quality experts at EMSL Analytical, Inc. EMSL has laboratories across the United States and Canada that offer a wide range of indoor air quality, surface and material testing services for asbestos and other potentially hazardous materials. These services are essential for safeguarding people’s health and avoiding costly noncompliance penalties.

To learn more about EMSL’s indoor air quality, industrial hygiene, occupational and environmental testing services and monitoring equipment, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 40 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail